The IHBC, the UK\u2019s professional body for historic environment conservation specialists, welcomed the conclusion by England\u2019s Local Government Ombudsman that a planning authority\u2019s failure to manage its duties in conservation could amount to \u2018injustice\u2019. Se\u00e1n O\u2019Reilly, IHBC Director, said: \u2018Given delays in the new heritage legislation it is a timely reminder that planning authorities must be fair to all interests in our historic places.\u2019<\/p>\n
Dr O\u2019Reilly continued: \u2018The report examines a complex, but not untypical, conservation issue. The IHBC doesn\u2019t comment on specific cases, but its grave conclusions provide a crucial base line for modern conservation services. Local authorities can only respect all our interests by giving effective corporate support for substantial conservation services that are fully integrated with the decision-making processes of the planning system. Lacking clear legislation, the Ombudsman\u2019s oversight here, as ever, is both invaluable for stakeholders and a cautionary note for councils.\u2019<\/p>\n
The Ombudsman\u2019s criticism of Darlington Borough identified \u2018multiple and various failings\u2019 in handling a case of conversion and demolition of historic buildings. She concluded that these ‘amounted to maladministration causing injustice.\u2019 The Ombudsman also urged the authority to \u2018ensure that all staff involved in dealing with development control decisions are properly trained in the law and its own policies and procedures relating to
\nlisted buildings.\u2019<\/p>\n
References: The IHBC, the UK\u2019s professional body for historic environment conservation specialists, welcomed the conclusion by England\u2019s Local Government Ombudsman that a planning authority\u2019s failure to manage its duties in conservation could amount to \u2018injustice\u2019. Se\u00e1n O\u2019Reilly, IHBC Director, said: \u2018Given … Continue reading
\nFor IHBC & sector news see: www.ihbc.org.uk<\/a>
\nFor the Ombudsman\u2019s report & links see: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/7ljrty<\/a>
\nQueries: Se\u00e1n O\u2019Reilly: (0131) 5583671; director@ihbc.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"